Empowering the Changemakers of Tomorrow: Haller at Sherborne Girls School’s Friday Lecture Series
Beyond practical education and volunteering at Nguuni, we connect with young people through various avenues, including lectures, workshops, and digital tools like the Haller Farmers App, which provides access to farming advice, sustainable techniques, and resources for climate-smart agriculture.
With education as one of Haller’s core pillars, it was a privilege to bring this ethos to the UK as part of Sherborne Girls School’s Friday Lecture Series. This September, we were invited to speak about our work at The Haller Foundation and explore how Gen Z can get involved in tackling one of the greatest challenges of our time—climate change.
This year, Haller has made incredible strides in empowering young people through education. Through your support, we’ve welcomed almost 3,000 pupils to our Education Centre and engaged over 500 pupils through our regular outreach visits this year alone. We launched School Farmer Open Days, hosting over 300 students at the Nguuni Nature Sanctuary to learn hands-on farming skills.
Our mission at Haller is not just to engage young people in Africa around regenerative agriculture and sustainable livelihood solutions but to inspire and empower youth here in the UK as well.
A Generation Ready to Act
The lecture was initially targeted at STEM students, focusing on how Haller leverages technology, such as the innovative Haller Farmers App, to drive positive change. However, the overwhelming turnout from students across a wide range of disciplines demonstrated that climate change is not just a scientific or technical issue—it’s an all-encompassing, whole-of-life challenge that resonates deeply with the younger generation.
In the UK, Gen Z is finding innovative ways to combat climate anxiety, blending ambition, community, and practical solutions. Their interest in sustainable food systems is growing, reflected in a 20% rise in farming, food, and related degree courses since 2019 (The Times). They recognise that agriculture, when combined with modern technology, is not just a career path but a means to repair our planet.
Sparking Ideas for Change
During the session, we asked Sherborne students for their views on the climate crisis and how they might contribute. While many were eager to get involved, some expressed uncertainty about where to start or how to make a tangible impact. A popular suggestion was growing their own food, an idea met with enthusiasm but also practical challenges, such as the constraints of the school term cycle.
These conversations revealed something deeply inspiring: a generation that is not only aware of the climate crisis but also ready to act. As a nation, we should be proud of the ambition and creativity of our young people, who are pioneering green initiatives and finding ways to turn climate anxiety into hope and action. Their determination to seek practical solutions and their eagerness to connect with the global mission to tackle climate change are reasons for optimism.
At Haller, we are committed to uplifting young people in the UK by connecting them to our work in Kenya and beyond. By bridging local efforts with global impact, we aim to empower this generation to lead the way in creating a sustainable future for all. With their passion and ingenuity, paired with the right tools and opportunities, we are optimistic about the potential for real and lasting change.
Here’s how you can support our mission:
Donate to help us expand our programs and empower more young changemakers.
Contact us if your school or pupils would like to collaborate with Haller and explore ways to create a brighter, more sustainable future.
Visit our News page to learn about the impact of our initiatives and how we engage youth in sustainability and share our work!